Cooper Spur is the highest point on Mount Hood that can be reached by trail. In fact, you can continue on the ridge just past Cooper Spur until you reach the snowfield that marks the beginning of the climbing route. Of all the day hikes we’ve done, this one is our favorite. Ironically, at the time that we did it, it was also the most frustrating. If you read the trip details in the Paul Gerald book or refer to the OregonHikers site, you’ll notice that the starting point is the Cloud Cap Trailhead. Starting here would make this hike about 7.5 miles (maybe a little less). Originally, we had planned on starting here. Unfortunately, as we were driving up the forest road, the portion to Cloud Cap was closed at the Tilly Jane Sno-Park. So we started at the sno-park. Despite the extra mileage and elevation gain, starting from here ended up being really scenic, with a lot more variety in terrain than if we’d started at Cloud Cap. I would probably choose to start at the sno-park when we do this hike again.

Tilly Jane Trail passes through this burnt forest area

No trail at this point; just need to keep heading up

Rock commemorating a Japanese climbing party’s ascent

Getting ready to hike the ridge to the snowfieldTie-in Rock

Cooper Spur Shelter

Tilly Jane A-FrameWould’ve been a shame to miss this by starting at Cloud Cap